Answers from the Community
- Trench lighter – I’ve got one from my father. It was often made from spent rounds with a few modifications to create a lighter. I had a .20 caliber case with an old threepenny coin soldered in the base, which was also a lighter.
- Army lighter that lights in the wind while covering the flame to avoid getting your face shot off.
- It is a lighter, but it might be a replica.
- It’s a miniature nuclear bomb hand grenade. DON’T pull the pin!
- Looks like a copy of an Austrian 1920s IMCO windproof lighter.
- Looks like a bobbin for an old treadle sewing machine.
- It’s a lighter – I’ve got one made of brass.
- Windless lighter – hard to find parts for it, but worth the effort to make it work. Awesome find!
- Miniature German hand grenade used by trained suicide ferrets in WWI. They ran up your pants leg and detonated at a critical junction, thus damaging many Privates’ privates.
- Military torchlight for when you can’t light campfires.
- I haven’t seen one of those in a long time.
- Trench lighter from WWII.
- Windproof lighter.
- I have one and it’s a lighter.
- It’s a coconut, duh.
- Prototype proto pipe.
- Steampunk suppository.
- Fire starter, flint.
- A vintage lightsaber.
- A vibrator from 1890.
The WW1 Trench Lighter: A Piece of History
The WW1 Trench Lighter stands as an iconic piece of history, highlighting the ingenuity born out of necessity during wartime. Soldiers in the trenches of World War I needed a reliable way to light their cigarettes or pipes amidst harsh conditions. Traditional lighters often failed in the wet and muddy environment of the trenches.
The Invention
Enter the Trench Lighter. This simple yet effective device, typically made of metal, featured a hinged mechanism that protected the flame from wind or rain. Soldiers could easily ignite it with one hand, keeping the other hand free.
Craftsmanship and Resourcefulness
These lighters were often crafted from spent bullet casings or other scrap materials found on the battlefield. This showcased the resourcefulness of soldiers. Beyond their primary function of providing light and fire, they became cherished keepsakes, serving as tangible reminders of wartime experiences.
Collector’s Item
Today, WW1 Trench Lighters are sought after by collectors and history enthusiasts, offering a tangible connection to the soldiers who once carried them.
The Trench Lighter’s Legacy
Also known as a “pipe lighter” or “pocket lighter,” the WW1 Trench Lighter holds a unique place in military history. Born from the needs of trench warfare, these lighters were not just functional tools but also symbolic artifacts of soldierly resilience and innovation.
Design and Durability
Typically crafted from brass, steel, or other durable metals, the Trench Lighter consisted of a tubular casing with a hinged lid protecting the flame. Inside, a flint and striking wheel mechanism produced a spark, igniting the fuel reservoir.
Adaptability
Designed to withstand the damp, muddy, and windy environment of the trenches, the hinged lid shielded the flame and prevented fuel loss, ensuring reliable ignition even in adverse weather.
Sentimental Value
Many soldiers crafted their own lighters using readily available materials, adding a personal touch. Engraved initials, regimental insignia, or other markings often adorned these lighters, transforming them into cherished mementos of camaraderie, hardship, and survival.
Enduring Legacy
Though the heyday of Trench Lighters ended with WWI, their legacy endures. Today, these vintage lighters are prized by collectors and history enthusiasts, offering a tangible link to the past.
My son and his wife shamed me for wearing red lipstick. I decided to teach them a lesson
The Spark: An Erroneous Family Dinner
Even at seventy-five, Edith remained a vivacious woman, a shining example of self-assurance and style. Her distinctive red lip color was a symbol of her vibrant nature. But she had no idea that her makeup choice would start a tempest that evening as she got ready for a family meal.
She felt pride and nostalgia as she gently painted her favorite hue of red. She had worn this lipstick on numerous important occasions, such as romantic dates with her late spouse and job interviews. It was a representation of her unwavering spirit rather than merely makeup.
Steph, her son, showed up early and caught Edith in the act. “Mum, you look like a desperate old clown trying to cling to your youth,” he said with a sneer. It is awkward.
The words felt like a slap to her. Her hand trembled with the lipstick as she hesitated. Before she could reply, Steph’s wife said, “Oh, I agree with Steph,” with a smug smirk. Older individuals shouldn’t use red lipstick. You ought to follow in other people’s footsteps, in my opinion.
Edith felt her heart race in her chest. She was dumbfounded for a time by their blatant words. But then she felt a wave of defiance wash over her. “Honey, please mind your own business,” she sternly said in a calm manner.
Steph’s wife appeared surprised, her self-assurance briefly shaken. Evidently caught off it by Edith’s counterattack, she said, “Sorry, Edith, we just don’t want you to look like a clown.”
Steph grinned and said, “Okay, mom, enjoy the circus,” trying to take back control of the situation. His spouse laughed once more before turning to leave Edith reeling from the emotional upheaval.
From Pain to Fury: The Tipping Moment
Edith stood for a short while with her reflection in the mirror serving as a painful reminder of their hurtful remarks. Deep sadness, the type that results from being betrayed by the people you love the most, filled her. However, as she sat in the corner, her melancholy started to change into fury.
They are really cruel to her. How can they want to take away her uniqueness and dignity? Her own family was attempting to undermine her after she had dedicated her entire life to fostering her confidence and defying social norms.
Edith realized she had to do something. It was about respect and standing up for herself, not simply about red lipstick. She made the decision to teach them an invaluable lesson.
The Schedule: One Week of Get-Ready
Edith spent the next week carefully plotting her retaliation. She contacted a few reliable acquaintances and even enlisted the help of Mrs. Jenkins, her neighbor, who was an identical age and kind of woman. They came up with a plan that was impactful and subtle together.
Initially, Edith made the decision to have a lavish dinner party at her home, inviting not only her son and his spouse, but also other relatives and friends. The guests were carefully chosen to include both those who could influence Steph and his wife and others who respected her.
She made sure everything was flawless by spending days in preparation. She prepared her finest china, cooked her son’s favorite meals, and adorned the home with lovely flowers. But her beauty was the main component of her plan. Edith looked ravishing in a red dress and, of course, had on her trademark red lipstick on the night of the dinner.
The Battle: A Respectful Lesson
Edith welcomed the visitors with warmth and grace, her scarlet lips a striking declaration of her defiance. Among the last to arrive were Steph and his wife, whose first impressions of her were swiftly soured.
The evening went well at first, with lots of laughs and animated discussions. But Edith was about to give us a surprise. When the dessert was brought out, she got up to toast.
With a clear and firm voice, she said, “Thank you all for coming.” “I’ve always thought that you should embrace who you are and live life to the fullest, regardless of what other people may think.”
She looked at Steph and his spouse, who were adjusting their chairs uneasily. I was told last week that it’s inappropriate for me to wear my favorite red lipstick at my age. However, I think style and confidence are ageless.
With every eye on Edith, the room went silent. Therefore, I want to applaud everyone here today who defies social norms regarding appearance and behavior. To those who live boldly and gracefully, accepting who they really are.
Many of her friends and relatives raised their glasses in accord as they erupted in applause. Steph and his spouse appeared embarrassed, having gone from their former arrogance.
Edith grinned, her ruby red lipstick catching the light from the chandelier. She’d made her argument rather evident. She was an adult; nobody could tell her how to spend her life; age was just a number.
Repercussions: A Modified Dynamic
The relationship between Edith, her son, and his wife evolved in the weeks that followed. No more mocking laughter or rude remarks. Steph even acknowledged that he had been inappropriate and apologized. It appeared that his spouse had also taken a lesson from Edith, as she now treated her with dignity.
Knowing that she had defended herself and set a good example for others, Edith happily wore her red lipstick for the rest of the day. She had restored her dignity and respect by demonstrating that age was not a hindrance to confidence and self-expression.
Her courageous stance not only silenced her detractors but also encouraged others to accept who they really are, demonstrating that sometimes the most important lessons can be learned from the most unexpected sources.
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